Kyrie Irving lauded the Celtics' desire after leading his team to a stunning 22-point comeback win in overtime Thursday in Phoenix.

The Celtics were down 20 points on the road at halftime against the Suns before surging back and eventually triumphing, 116-109, with Irving scoring a season-high 39 points.

The former Cavaliers star acknowledged that tough spells are part of life in the NBA, but he was pleased with Boston's reaction.

"It happens. On these road trips, you want to come out and play well," Irving told NBC Sports Boston. "Obviously, with us forming this team, our camaraderie, our cohesiveness, we've got to figure it out as a team.

While Irving delivered in spectacular fashion with six points and two assists in the additional period, he deflected praise back onto his teammates.

"It was definitely kill time," he said. "I wanted to come out aggressive, make sure I made the right plays at both ends of the floor and play to my strengths, as well as trusting my teammates.

"I think that's the most important thing that we're starting to figure out: it's not about who scores, it's about the trust, making that extra pass, making a play and having confidence.

"That's what it really comes down to and I feel like we did a great job figuring that out, being down 20 going to halftime. We made some strides, but we put ourselves in a hole and we don't want to do that."